A Hydrovac Operator is a professional who operates hydrovacuum trucks or hydro excavation equipment. These trucks are used in various industries, including construction, utilities, and environmental services. Hydrovac Operators play a crucial role in safely and efficiently excavating soil and debris using high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum system. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Hydrovac Operators.

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Main Responsibilities of a Hydrovac Operator

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Hydrovac Operator:

Adhere to

Adhere to safety protocols and regulations at all times.

Assist with

• Assist and support with monthly safety meeting which includes preparing the agenda.

• Assist with dispatching units and schedule projects on a daily basis.

• Assist with project related biddings and proposal.

Attend

• Attend safety meetings and ensures all tasks are always completed in a safe and professional manner.

• Attend safety meetings and training sessions.

Clean

• Clean hydrovac truck as scheduled and / or required.

• Clean up work area after work is complete.

Coach

Coach, monitor and mentor less experienced hydrovac operators and swampers.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively.

Communicate

• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing).

• Communicate Effectively (verbally and in writing).

• Communicate with clients, with a customer service focus on a daily basis.

Complete

• Complete all required paperwork daily.

• Complete all required paperwork properly as required.

• Complete and maintain all required paperwork and documentation properly within set timelines.

• Complete and submit paperwork (pre-trip & post-trip, FLHA, field tickets, driver logs) daily.

• Complete client's site-specific training as required.

• Complete daily inspections and correct or report all defects immediately...

• Complete necessary paperwork, including job reports and incident forms.

• Complete the daily maintenance programs as per equipment specifications.

Conduct

• Conduct and record pre and post trip inspections.

• Conduct utility locates and mark the location of underground utilities.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and organize daily activities of all crew members and equipment.

• Coordinate with project managers and site supervisors.

Dig

• Dig and expose underground utilities with Hydrovac.

• Dig trenches, holes, and other excavations as required.

Drive

• Drive and operate truck in a safe manner.

• Drive hydrovac trucks to and from work sites.

Ensure

• Ensure all daily task reporting requirements are fulfilled.

• Ensure all Hydrovac equipment and components are in good working condition at all times.

• Ensure all hydrovac truck equipment and components are always in good working condition.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including D.O.T regulations.

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations during excavation.

• Ensure customer and client satisfaction by providing excellent customer service at all times.

• Ensure hydrovac truck is safely and securely store.

• Ensure safe operations of equipment.

• Ensure that operators are following Badger's maintenance polices procedures.

• Ensure the safe and successful completion of all hydrovac requirements.

Execute

Execute all work assigned safely.

Follow

• Follow all legislation and regulations set out by the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

• Follow all local, provincial, and federal compliance regulations and rules.

• Follow all safety policies and procedures.

• Follow project plans and blueprints for precise excavation.

• Follow safety procedures with fellow workers.

• Follow site specific safety requirements.

Fuel

Fuel and grease Equipment to maintain safe and optimal operation.

Hear

Hear and distinguish emergency signals and instructions while on duty.

Interact with

Interact with employees, management and the public at large.

Interpret

Interpret locates, stakeouts, drawings and schematics.

Keep

• Keep equipment and vehicles clean and in safe / working order.

• Keep truck clean and organized Minimum Qualifications.

• Keep work areas and equipment clean and safe.

Lead

Lead and direct personnel to perform duties / tasks in a safe, timely, and efficient manner.

Load

• Load and unload construction materials, and move materials to work area.

• Load and unload equipment necessary to perform vacuum and hydro excavation operations.

Maintain

• Maintain and clean equipment when finished using it.

• Maintain and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and specialized safety equipment.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work equipment and truck.

Manage

Manage and dispose of excavated materials properly.

Monitor

• Monitor and control water pressure and vacuum systems.

• Monitor and delegate tasks while supervising and leading crew.

• Monitor and delegate tasks while supervising crew.

Observe

Observe all company environmental health and safety guidelines.

Operate

• Operate equipment in residential areas.

• Operate Hydrovac in a safe and professional manner.

• Operate hydrovacuum trucks and related equipment.

• Operate the Hydro Vac truck while maintain the vehicle.

Participate in

• Participate in routine maintenance.

• Participate in workplace safety.

Perform

• Perform and log pre-operation safety inspections.

• Perform daily inspections of equipment, hoses, pumps, etc..

• Perform daily onsite safety inspections.

• Perform daily pre and post trip inspections to ensure safe operation of vehicles.

• Perform daily preventative maintenance and mechanical checks.

• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.

• Perform general housekeeping to ensure equipment is clean and operating properly.

• Perform hydro excavation using high-pressure water and vacuum systems.

• Perform miscellaneous labour activities and assist tradespersons.

• Perform physically demanding tasks.

• Perform pre and post-trip inspections.

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections.

• Perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the safe and proper functioning of equipment.

• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment, such a daily inspections and greasing.

• Perform routine maintenance on units to ensure cleanliness and efficient operation.

• Perform safety meetings and complete necessary paperwork.

• Perform work including exposing cables and conduits for all utilities via hydrovac system.

Practice

Practice proper, legal load securement.

Prepare

Prepare and coordinate safety tool box talks and complete pre-job hazard assessments.

Promote

Promote safety through own actions and work habits.

Provide

• Provide excellent customer service as a representative of the brand.

• Provide excellent customer service as you represent PGC Services.

• Provide hydrovac services to customers in accordance with NLU procedures and customer requirements.

• Provide on the job supervision, training and mentoring for subordinates.

• Provide safe and professional service to customers.

Read

Read and interpret blueprints, stakes, and signage.

Report

Report safety incidents and maintenance issues.

Represent

Represent A-1 Environmental professionally at all times and ensure a positive customer experience.

Set-up

• Set-up and inspect grounding and / or bonding procedures for Hydrovac operation.

• Set-up and secure work zones to ensure safety.

• Set-up and take down all equipment, hoses and tools.

Transport

Transport cargo and / or equipment in a safe manner.

Travel

Travel out of town and out of state to work will be required at times.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on equipment as needed.

• Troubleshoot issues and equipment, including preventative maintenance.

• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and as the need arises perform minor repairs to equipment.

Use

• Use Company provided technology (iPad) for field ticketing and time and attendance.

• Use required personal protective equipment.

Value

Value safe work practices and holds others accountable for working in a safe manner.

Work

• Work as a member of the team by assisting other members when required.

• Work at high elevations and in confined spaces.

• Work for extended hours and available for more if required.

• Work productively within a crew.

• Work with tools and small equipment.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Hydrovac Operator:

1. Proficiency in operating hydrovacuum trucks and related equipment.

2. Knowledge of hydro excavation techniques and practices.

3. Understanding of water pressure and vacuum systems.

4. Ability to read and interpret project plans and blueprints.

5. Familiarity with utility locating methods and equipment.

6. Skilled in performing minor repairs and maintenance on equipment.

7. Competence in troubleshooting technical issues.

8. Proficient in using GPS and mapping tools.

9. Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety protocols.

10. Understanding of soil classification and excavation limitations.

11. Basic understanding of underground utilities and infrastructure.

12. Ability to operate auxiliary equipment, such as backhoes or skid-steer loaders.

13. Familiarity with trenching and shoring techniques.

14. Knowledge of traffic control and work zone safety procedures.

15. Proficiency in completing required paperwork and documentation.

16. Ability to use hand and power tools effectively.

17. Competence in operating computer systems and software.

18. Understanding of basic vehicle maintenance and inspection.

19. Skilled in operating communication devices, such as radios or mobile phones.

20. Knowledge of first aid and emergency response procedures.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Hydrovac Operator:

1. Strong communication skills for effective team collaboration and client interaction.

2. Excellent problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected situations on the job.

3. Attention to detail to ensure precise excavation and compliance with regulations.

4. Adaptability to work in different environments and handle changing priorities.

5. Time management skills to complete tasks within given deadlines.

6. Physical fitness and stamina to handle manual labor and work in various weather conditions.

7. Safety-conscious mindset to prioritize the well-being of oneself and others.

8. Critical thinking skills to assess risks and make informed decisions.

9. Ability to work independently and take initiative when necessary.

10. Professionalism and a strong work ethic to represent the company positively.

Conclusion

By possessing a combination of these hard and soft skills, Hydrovac Operators can excel in their roles, ensuring efficient and safe hydro excavation operations. As the demand for these professionals continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals considering a career in this field to develop and enhance these skills to meet the industry's expectations.